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approval they had to keep the building’s footprint the same size as the original one. The new design did however bring the building forward slightly, increasing the garden space at the back. A few conditions were set by the local authority: “We had restrictions on the windows facing the town,” Ian explains. “A big hedge also had to be destroyed to break into the site, so we had to replant that after.”


their builds, and began to discuss options with the company’s representatives. “They took us around local projects, and showed us pictures of the kind of oak-framed house we could build,” explains Julie.


“We were unsure whether to press the button,” she says, “but they came out and said that while the site was awkward, the idea wasn’t unachievable.” They also liked the idea of using oak, deciding it would sit well in the historic town, finding some other kit offerings too modern.


With the company having convinced them the idea was feasible, they negotiated with the current owners to get a planning extension and eventually bought the plot in November 2014.


They worked with Welsh Oak Frame on a revised planning application, which the company submitted on their behalf – something the couple say definitely helped. “The planning consultant was familiar with the local policy so they were able to ease it through compared to if we’d done it ourselves,” says Julie. Because they were amending an existing


62 www.sbhonline.co.uk


There was also some negotiating around the creation of a 5.5 metre hardstanding area for lorries to be able to enter the site and turn. “It was virtually impossible,” admits Ian. “We got the impression they weren’t keen on the site being developed.” Despite the obstacles, they were granted permission in February 2015, three months after submitting the revised application.


BUILDING BEGINS


Ian and Julie were ready to set about clearing the site in March 2015, and one of the first jobs to tackle was redirecting the sewer pipe. They then began removing several lorry loads of soil. Their neighbour allowed them to take a digger through his garden so they could cut into a two metre high bank and create their own access. As part of being located within a conservation area, a planning condition meant an archaeologist had to watch over the process. When they came across a medieval drying kiln where their entrance was to be located, a minor delay resulted. “It was interesting, but set us back a couple of weeks,” says Ian. They eventually got the site cleared, a site cabin in place and the footings done by June. The sloping nature of the site means that what is the first floor at the front becomes the ground level at the back, and the ground floor at the front ends up below ground. This is where the majority of the soil was excavated, and the nature of the design meant extra support had to


january 2020


IN THE FRAME


The oak frame is exposed throughout the property, adding heaps of character


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